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Flying out of St. Louis Missouri Airport gives you plenty of airline choices, but a few really rise above the rest. Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines are among the best airlines flying from St. Louis, offering a mix of direct flights, affordable fares, and good coverage of popular destinations.
These carriers cover both domestic and some international routes, so it’s not too hard to find a flight that fits your travel plans.
Depending on what matters most to you—price, nonstop flights, or maybe frequent flyer perks—you’ve got reliable options. Southwest is known for wallet-friendly fares and flexibility.
Delta’s a solid bet for direct and international routes. Frontier is there for those looking to save as much as possible.
Key Takeways
- Multiple airlines fly from St. Louis, each with its own strengths.
- Southwest, Delta, and Frontier are top picks for direct and budget flights.
- The best airline for you depends on how you like to travel.
Top Airlines Operating from St. Louis Missouri Airport
If you’re flying from St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), you’ve got some solid airline options. These airlines run a mix of budget and full-service flights.
They offer plenty of direct and non-stop routes to popular spots. Knowing what each airline does best can make your decision easier.
Southwest Airlines Overview
Southwest Airlines is a favorite at STL. They run a bunch of non-stop flights to cities like Chicago, Denver, and Dallas.
Southwest keeps fares affordable and lets you change plans without too much hassle. Your bags fly free, so you don’t have to stress about extra luggage fees.
They stick to Boeing 737s and focus on short to medium-haul flights. Flight times are pretty convenient, whether you’re traveling for work or fun.
Spirit Airlines Routes
Spirit Airlines brings a low-cost model to STL. Tickets are cheap, but you’ll pay up for things like carry-on bags and picking your seat.
Spirit mostly flies to vacation spots and big cities—think Florida, Las Vegas, and Myrtle Beach. If you’re after a cheap nonstop flight, Spirit might work, but watch out for the add-ons.
They run all-Airbus A320 planes and keep things basic. You’ll need to pay for most comforts.
Frontier Airlines Services
Frontier Airlines is another budget choice flying out of STL. They focus on leisure destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Denver.
Frontier charges separately for bags, seat selection, and snacks. The “a la carte” pricing means you just pay for what you use.
They run a newer fleet of Airbus A320 family jets. You get direct flights to popular cities at pretty competitive prices.
How to Find the Best Flights from St. Louis
Finding cheap flights from St. Louis takes a little patience and some strategy. Keep an eye on airlines, track prices, and know when to book.
You can save quite a bit by comparing your options and using price alerts or flight calendars. Timing matters—a lot.
Comparing Airlines and Flight Deals
Start by checking flights from the main airlines at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Southwest has lots of direct flights, which can save you time and money.
Other popular picks include Delta, American, United, and Frontier. Use comparison sites to look at both one-way flights and round trips.
Filter by price and flight length to find cheap tickets. Watch out for fees—sometimes a low fare isn’t so low after you add bags or seats.
Using Price Alerts and Flight Calendars
Set up price alerts on flight search sites. You’ll get a heads-up when prices drop for your route.
A flight calendar shows fares on different days, so you can spot the cheapest options. Flying midweek often costs less than weekends.
This tool saves you from checking every day—just glance at the calendar and pick your best deal.
Cheapest Time and Month to Book Flights
Usually, booking 6 to 8 weeks before you fly gets you the best deal. Too early or too late, and prices tend to climb.
January and February are often the cheapest months to fly out of St. Louis. Steer clear of holidays and summer if you want to avoid price spikes.
Keep an eye out for sales—sometimes you’ll catch a surprisingly good offer.
Travel Tips for Flying Out of St. Louis Airport
A little planning goes a long way at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Knowing how to book, get there, and sort out car rentals can make your trip smoother.
Booking and Travel Providers
You can book flights to St. Louis through airlines, travel agents, or online platforms. Delta, American Eagle, and United all run frequent domestic flights at STL.
If you want more help, travel agents can handle tricky itineraries or sniff out deals. Booking early usually means more choices and better prices.
You might also look at nearby airports if STL doesn’t have what you need. Sometimes a smaller regional airport is worth considering, but weigh the trade-offs.
Getting to and from STL
Public transit serves STL, with buses connecting the terminal to downtown and nearby areas. Check schedules—they can change, especially on weekends.
Driving? Aim to get there at least two hours before a domestic flight. The airport suggests this so you’ve got time for check-in and security.
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are easy to find at STL. If you want to get in and out fast, they’re a solid choice.
Car Hire and Rental Cars
You’ll find several car rental companies at St. Louis airport. Major brands are in the ground transportation center near the terminal.
Booking ahead often gets you better rates and a bigger selection. Whether you want an economy car or something fancier, you’ve got options.
Returning your rental is usually a breeze—just follow the signs back to the rental area. Some companies run shuttles between the lots and the terminal.
St. Louis Destination Highlights and Travel Advice
Thinking about what to see and when to go can make your St. Louis trip way more enjoyable. Weather, events, and landmarks all factor in.
Best Time to Visit St. Louis
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are the sweet spots for visiting St. Louis. Temperatures are mild, usually between 60°F and 80°F, so it’s nice for outdoor stuff.
Summers can get sticky and hot, sometimes over 90°F. Winters? Cold, sometimes snowy—not ideal for outdoor plans.
Spring and fall also bring cool events, like the St. Louis Botanical Garden bloom or local festivals. There’s a lot going on if you time it right.
Must-See Attractions for Visitors
When you visit, make the Gateway Arch your first stop. It’s the city’s most iconic symbol, and the views from the top are pretty unforgettable.
Next up, check out Forest Park. It’s actually one of the biggest urban parks in the country.
Inside, you’ll stumble upon museums, a zoo that doesn’t even charge admission, and a bunch of walking trails. The park’s green spaces are perfect for wandering or just flopping down for a bit.
There’s a lot of history packed in here, and honestly, it’s a great spot if you’ve got kids or just want to mix some nature into your trip.